1 Now it came about after*this that 1Absalomprovided for himself a chariot and horses and fiftymen as runnersbefore him.
2
Absalom used to riseearly and 2standbeside* the way to the gate; and when anymanhad a suit to come to the king for judgment, Absalom would call to him and say, "From what*city are you?" And he would say, "Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel."
3
Then Absalom would say to him, "See, 3your claims are good and right, but no man listens to you on the part* of the king."
4
Moreover, Absalom would say, "4Oh that one would appoint me judge in the land, then everymanwhohas any suit or cause could come to me and I would give him justice."
5
And when a mancamenear to prostrate himself before him, he would put out his hand and takehold of him and 5kiss him.
6
In thismannerAbsalomdealt with allIsraelwhocame to the king for judgment; 6so Absalomstoleaway the hearts of the men of Israel.
7
Now it came about at the end of fortyyears that Absalomsaid to the king, "Please let me go and pay my vowwhich I have vowed to the LORD, in 7Hebron.
8
"For your servant8vowed a vow while I was living at Geshur in Aram, saying, '9If the LORD shall indeedbring me back to Jerusalem, then I will serve the LORD.' "
9
The kingsaid to him, "Go in peace." So he arose and went to Hebron.